Natural cures for depression? Need help

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2004
Natural cures for depression? Need help
4
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 10:15am
Hi all.

I need some help. I have had depression for many years and tried all types of meds. More recently I was on Lexapro for about two years and stopped taking it this March. I believe it was causing weight gain and making me more depressed (55 pounds). I inititally felt good after going off it. I've lost 24 pounds and am continuing to lose.

Now that the weather is changing it feels like I am getting SAD. I've also been under a tremendous amount of stress and feel that is affecting me as well. I recognize the symptoms of depression and know that I'm heading into the downward spiral. I want to stop this before it gets worse and was hoping someone knew of a holistic method to deal with it. I am terrified of going back on meds due to the weight gain.

Thanks in advance.

Avatar for all_girls4me
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 1:10pm
Hi there, I've been through the same thing, I was on Lexapro and then on WEllbutrin and didn't like the side effects at all. So now I'm trying the natural thing. Here is what I'm taking, but you can't take any of it with antidepressant medication. Check it out on the web. I'm taking GABA, 5-HTP and Holy Basil. See if you like it.

Ilka



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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2004
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 9:28pm

Hi,


Congrats on the weight loss!!!!


Its interesting to me that you mentioned the weather changing. I think seasons play a big part. For me its the Spring and summer that make me feel blue.....the fall and winter tend to make me happier. Maybe its the holidays, the cozy blankets and clothes.....hot chocolate......pumpkins! I just love those things. Tonight I am cooking a big batch of split pea soup and chili (south beach diet friendly lol) Those foods are great in the cooler weather.


My sister is the opposite of me, she gets really down in the cooler months.....I wonder why some of us tend to favor certain seasons over others?


What is it about the weather change that is making you sad?


michelle






Michelle


February 1, 2002

Michelle

February 1, 2002  Married my Best Friend<

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 9:35pm
first of all, can you try another med? i don't think that most anti-depressants should cause weight gain, so maybe your body just wasn't agreeing with the one you were on? i know i am still struggling, but i have been on prozac for 10 years now and will not part with it. i credit it for giving me my life back. i don't know about holistic methods that you can take- but i do know that there are some other random things you can do: exercise, write, therapy, and do what makes you happiest. i don't know if any of this helps, but i hope so.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-13-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 10:06am
It's awesome you want off medication!! The way to deal with this chemical imbalance is not with more chemicals. The single best source on the web for accurate health info is at mercola.com. Please go there and search under depression and you will be directed to info that will actually correct the underlying problem. I know of what I speak because I have had various bouts of depression,etc over the years. I did not know what it was for years, but when I did find out, I used ONLY natural methods--diet, supplements, exercise, etc. Prescriptions do NOTHING but mask the situation. A woman I know had many of the same symptoms I've had over the years. However, she went the oppisite route and has been on different medications, is overweight, eats nothing but junk and her depression just gets worse. Her overall health is a wreck. She does not care for her family or her home. I, on the other hand, eat a proper diet, am slim, healthy, active and only occasionally do I feel the need to address depression issues. Remember, depression is an imbalance in the body that even after you correct your eating habits and heal, you have to be aware that you can become unbalanced again. Healthy eating and proper supplements is a real cure, NOT prescriptions!! The Maker's Diet.com has awesome info as well. The way of eating outlined in Dr. Rubin's book is the only real accurate way of eating. It is not a short term diet to lose weight, but is rather the foods we should all eat to properly maintain the awesome machine called the body. You would care for an expensive auto according to the manufacturer's specs so as to continue to enjoy the vehicle. Why would we do less to our bodies which carry us through life? Once you reap the benefits of healthy eating, please share the knowledge with others. Like my dad always says, "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything." You can overcome!! Best wishes!